Shopping cart handle with built-in console for the input and display of consumer product information

ABSTRACT

A console for the input and display of consumer product information such as pricing, etc. The console may be built into the handle of the shopping cart or as a retrofit application on existing handles. The console has a product information input device for numerical values such as product pricing, cost per unit, etc. The apparatus has a calculator and output display for such data. Some space on the console will likely be dedicated to a display panel for advertising. The console may be equipped with a bar code scanner as an alternate means of inputting such consumer data. The console should have an output display, such as a monitor, and/or a readout in order to display the product information such as: cost per unit. A video monitor may be used in connection with the console in order to provide advertising information related to products.

[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/639,940, whichis a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/470,033, thecontents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates to the field of shopping carts and, inparticular, to an improved shopping cart handle having an output andinput means to input raw data concerning consumer items found on themarket and an output display that displays that and related data. Such aapparatus and associated computer hardware will allow the consumer toinput such information as price per unit volume, etc. into a computerand to retrieve refined data e.g. price per unit, etc. from a displayassociated with the computer.

[0003] It is thought that the use of a shopping cart so equipped with aninformation display monitor and a data input device will make it easierand more convenient for the shopper to process information related thegoods at the store including: price per unit information for varioustypes of goods. Placing a display monitor and associated data inputdevices on the handle of a shopping cart allows such devices to be inclose proximity to the shopper's hands and at a point where theshopper's eyes will easily make contact with the display. The use ofadvertising space in connection with the display will be an addedbenefit to owners of stores and suppliers of consumer products.

[0004] While there are shopping carts that do receive radio frequencycommunications (U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,544 is the only one we are aware of)none of them have input devices that allow the shopper to input pricinginformation and obtain a readout that displays such data and refineddata: such as price per unit, etc. Moreover, none of the prior art showsa shopping cart handle having a bar code scanner in order for theconsumer to input price and unit information directly into a computerthat is part of the handle console.

SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is a shopping cart console for the input anddisplay of consumer product information such as pricing etc. The consolemay be built as the handle of the shopping cart or as a device to beretrofitted onto existing handles. The console should be so oriented onthe handle that the consumer can readily view the displayed informationfrom his or her position behind the cart. The console may have akeyboard means for the consumer to input product information e.g.pricing, etc. directly into a computer contained in the console. Inaddition to, or as alternate to, the keyboard the console may beequipped with a bar code scanner in order for the consumer to input suchpricing information merely be sweeping the item in question over the barcode scanner which then inputs product data directly into the computermemory.

[0006] An output display should also be associated with the console inorder to display the data that the consumer is inputting as well as therefined data such as cost per unit. Such an output display may be anystate of the art means and may include for example: an LCD, LED or avideo monitor. Such output may include advertising or salesannouncement. Some space on the console may be dedicated to anadvertising or display panel that promotes store products. Such a panelmay be backlit for better viewing. A separate video monitor may alsoprovide advertising information related to other products in the store.Such information may be sent to the console by means of a transmitter atsome location, perhaps in the store or at a central location. Suchbroadcasted data would be received by a broadcast signal receiverlocated in the console. Such broadcast data may then be output on thevideo display in order to alert the shopper to specials, etc.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a customer in a storewith a readily available means for inputting product pricing informationinto a display monitor and to make pricing calculations such as priceper unit, etc. and to have such information readily displayed to theshopper.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to equip a shopping cart witha display monitor and data input devices in order to allow a consumer toinput and display product pricing information at a place where it isconvenient to see such information on display.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a means fordisplaying product information near the handle of a shopping cart inorder to have such information for viewing by the consumer at a pointwhere he/she is likely to see it without much trouble.

[0010] Another object is to provide a means for consumers to quicklydisplay product information on a display monitor without having to inputsuch information manually trough the use of a keyboard.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a shopping carthaving a handle with a means to display consumer data such as theaccumulated costs or purchases, pricing for products, etc. and having ameans for the consumer to conveniently input such data through the useof a bar code scanner associated with the cart.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a shopper in astore with readily available product directory in order to make theshopping experience more pleasurable.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide food and retailcompanies with the ability to present advertising information to ashopper in a store in a manner that requires little effort on the partof the consumer.

[0014] Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 Overall view of one embodiment of the console and monitor.

[0016]FIG. 2 View of rear of console showing entertainment display.

[0017]FIG. 3 Side view of console showing means to attach to existinghandle.

[0018]FIG. 4 Detail of console face.

[0019]FIG. 5 State of the art shopping cart.

[0020]FIG. 6 Integrated self scanning unit and shopping cart handle;

[0021]FIG. 7 A grocery bag support that may be attached to the cart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a shopping cart unit 100 for self scanningand self checking out by purchasers in a store and a process that usessuch unit as described herein.

[0023] A shopping cart 200 having an integrated; self scanning andchecking unit 100 is described herein. The unit 100 may be constructedas a one piece unit that may be made integral with the shopping carthandle. See FIG. 1. Such a unit 100 should contain a bar code scanner 1and an output display device 2 so that product prices may be read frombar codes (usually found on product packages nowadays) by swiping thebar codes across the scanner 1. The display unit 2 would then report theinformation to the shopper by means of the display that may be a part ofthe unit 100. The unit 100 may include a means for totaling the pricesof all the purchases that the consumer wishes to make and then provide areadout of the total on the display 2.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 6, unit 100 should also have a separateprovision 3 for reading magnetic strip information (e.g. that containedon a debit card, a credit card, a bank ATM card or any such card havinga readable strip) to enable the unit to thereby verify the identity ofthe user and may debit the cost of those goods from the consumer'saccount as he/she is checking out. This may include a slot or other typeof reader in connection with the unit. The user could then insert orswipe his card across the reader and the unit would then identify theuser's account and may be used to debit his account in order for theconsumer to pay for his goods.

[0025] Such a unit would preferably have a Radio Frequency (RF) orinfrared (IR) transmitter and receiver in order to communicate withother data bases and transmit to similar devices. Such other devicesmay, for example, be used by a centralized office that can report backprice changes to the unit and update such prices on a continuous oralmost continuous basis. Price information may be stored in a separatecomputer or other type of information storage unit that is used inconnection with the self scanning unit. The computer may be a part ofthe unit itself. Such a transceiver may enhance the pricing process asprices and special sales items can be verified on a continuous, ornearly continuous, basis by virtue of a communications link with aremote location such as a central office. Prices may be updated in thismanner. A shelf-based communicating device including: SHELF TALKER (atrade name) or known by the generic name of electronic shelf tags, maybe used to transmit pricing information and pricing updates to the cartbased self scanning console. Such communicating devices may based on RF,IR or other means.

[0026] Such a transmitter/receiver (transceiver) may also have aprovision for debiting and/or verifying account information relating tothe magnetic strip-based card and/or to the user's credit or bankaccount. In this manner, the shopper's account can be verified and/ordebited by the unit during the check out process by virtue of thetransmitter/receiver.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, there may be a large monitor or display 4 inconnection with the unit may be for example: an LCD (liquid crystaldisplay) or a monitor e.g. a television monitor, including colormonitors. Large display 4 may function as an interchangeable advertisingpanel, and may alternately utilize light emitting diode (LED)technology. Other means for visual display may be used. This largerdisplay 4 would be used for displaying advertising messages directed atthe consumer. Such messages may be regularly changed or updated atintervals to correspond to new advertising campaigns. Such display maybe used in connection with a centralized location that will transmitupdated advertisements to, say, for example, all the shopping carts inthe store. Such communications with the shopping cart monitor may be bymeans of radio frequency transmissions.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, a separate display 2 should be inconnection with the bar code reader so that price information may beshown to the consumer and thus verified. The display 2 may also havemeans for indicating to the consumer that his account has beenauthorized for payment. Thus the monitor can be interactive as it canrelate changes in store prices including sales items or advertisementsas the monitor is used in connection with the information being relayedby the transceiver. In addition to the magnetic bar code reader 3, thecart may be equipped with a numerical information input means, such as akey pad, for inputting information into a computer in the display. Suchnumerical information may be displayed to the consumer through themonitor. The keypad device may be used to input information pertainingto the customer's bank account in order to access such account (via thetransceiver described above) and make debits on such accounts as needed.

[0029] In addition, referring now to FIG. 6, the monitor 4 can providereadily updatable advertisements. These advertisements can be displayedon the monitor 4 for the consumer. Again the advertisements can bechanged or updated on an almost continuous process by virtue of the RFtransceiver which can provide new advertisements or modify existingadvertisements. A computer in connection with the unit may generate suchadvertisements and the transceiver may simply change one part of themessage (e.g. the price) in order to generate a new message on themonitor.

[0030] The unit 100 may be equipped with a printing unit, such as athermal printer, that can print out a sales slip for the productspurchased. The unit 100 may also have an electronic signature pad forconsumer to sign for his goods. In addition, the unit 100 may produceprinted coupons or advertisements at the time the product is scanned orat the point of sale. Such advertisements or coupons may be changed ownor upgraded by means of the transceiver that can receive updated couponinformation from a central unit and then pass on such information to ameans in the unit 100 that has the means and can print out coupons,advertisements, etc. at the time of checking out.

[0031] By “self scanning” it is meant that the shopper will be able toscan his purchases through a bar code reader by himself to verify theprice and may then check out of the store on his own. Store personnelmay be decreased or eliminated by such a device. Thus, the process oftotaling the goods purchased and the actual payment may be done by theunit 100 and so the user can essentially total the cost of goods, bagthe goods and then pay for his goods prior to the consumer leaving thestore. The cart 200 described herein is believed to facilitate both ofthese processes by means of the bar code scanner 1 and the magnetic cardreader 3 and authorization process.

[0032] The shopping cart unit 100 can generate pricing information basedupon the bar codes found on most store items. In addition, the cartbased unit 100 will update pricing information by means of for example,a radio frequency transmitter/receiver. The unit 100 may also authorizepurchases from the consumer's magnetic strip card by virtue of the sametransmitter/receiver.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 7, in addition, the shopping cart 200 maybe equipped with a bag support 6 that may be located inside of and atthe front 20 of the cart. Such a support 6 may be constructed of metaland should be able to hold a plurality of state of the art shopping bags21, those that are normally used during the check out process. The usercan then use the bags 21 contained in the cart to facilitate the selfscanning process and self check out process depending on the type ofoperation that the retailer chooses to employ.

[0034] The overall construction of the display console 100 is as shownin FIG. 1. The display console 100 may be constructed as a one pieceunit that takes the place of the shopping cart handle for a shoppingcart 200. Alternately, the console 100 can be constructed in order to beretrofitted onto existing shopping cart handles. Such console units 100could have a molded section at the rear and may be shaped so that theycan be attached around an existing handle. Typical shopping cartsnowadays, have a handle 7 at the rear and behind the basket for thepushing and guiding the cart (see FIG. 5). The existing handle 7 wouldthen support the console 100 at the rear of the cart. Referring to FIG.5, typical shopping carts also have a cart cross bar 22 which may beused in conjunction with handle 7 to support console 100. As shown inFIG. 3, this attachment would be accomplished with screw-on braces 23and 24. In either case, it is thought likely that the console 100 willbe constructed of molded parts with a two part construction likely. Sucha two part construction may be e.g. separate halves that are joined toone another when placed over, or taking the place of, the handle 7.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the front of the console 100should have a display face 50 that faces toward the rear (user's side)of the shopping cart 200 in order for a consumer, who is pushing thecart, to readily see data as it is being displayed. The readout device 2would display numerical values e.g. price, cost per unit, brand name,etc. related to consumer items.

[0036] The display face 50 of the console 100 should be equipped with anumerical inputting means 8, such as a keyboard; a calculating device;and an output, or a readout that could display such values that areinput to the calculator and subsequently derived. The calculator shouldhave functions such as divide, multiply, add and subtract. The displayface 50 of the console will be oriented toward the consumer in order forhim/her to readily input numerical data relating to products into thecalculator, or computer, stored inside the console.

[0037] There should be extended portions 9 at each side of the consolein order to function as a handle or a hand grip. Such a hand grip mayhave raised portions that create troughs in the handle that can enhancethe grip of the fingers.

[0038] The console 100 may be made of any state of the art materialsthat are relatively sturdy and inexpensive. Materials such aspolypropylene and other polymeric materials are some such materials thatcome readily to mind. The console 100 should be of molded shape in orderto provide a smooth feel for the consumer. It is preferred that theconsole 100 be wider at the base than at the top. It is preferred thatthe depth of the console be about 1-2″ at the top and about 3-4″ at thebase of the console. It is preferred that the width of the console beabout 14″, more or less, and the height be about 8″, more or less.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1, it is preferred that a computer becontained inside the console in order for such product information to bereadily stored for display upon the output means 11 of the console 100.The computer may also be useful in performing operations upon the rawdata, such as unit price, and unit size; in order to convert suchinformation into refined data such as cost per unit volume or cost perunit weight, etc. Such refined data may also be displayed on the outputmeans 11.

[0040] A simple output display 11 may be merely a readout display e.g.that found on pocket calculators. Such a readout display 11 may use e.g.Liquid Crystal Diodes (LCDS) or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in order topresent the information in lighted format in the readout as anelectronic window. Information displayed on display 11 may be programmedby the store to provide a store/advertiser message board. Any otherstate of the art means for displaying this information may also be usedwithout varying from the spirit of the invention.

[0041] Additional information could be supplied to the readout display11 by e.g. an infra red signal sent out by a transmitter in connectionwith a product display in an aisle. Such a transmitter would send out asignal to a corresponding receiver in the console as the cart goes bythe display. The signal would then be converted into product informationthat could be displayed on the readout display 11.

[0042] There may be a portion of the face 50 of the console 100dedicated to an advertising display 12 shown in FIG. 1. Such a display12 may be merely a space, or window, such as a polycarbon window, in theconsole 100 that is large enough to support a preprinted sign that canprovide an advertisement or e.g. a directory of products in the store.If preprinted signage is used, such advertising information could beprinted directly on e.g. a plastic sign and then placed in the window.The sign would, preferably, be made of flexible materials, such aspolypropylene.

[0043] The sign may be held in the display window through friction orother means. Back fighting may be employed behind the sign in order toilluminate the information on the sign. A bank of lights may besupported in the rear of the sign and inside the console 100 for suchpurpose.

[0044] The advertising display 12 may have LCDS, LEDs, or similar outputdevices in order to have an output that can be continually changed orupdated for such information as: pricing, sales announcements,advertisements, etc.

[0045] There may also be a separate section of the console set aside fora store directory or index card that would display information relatingto the location of different items in the store. It may be held in thesame or similar manner as the advertising display 12.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 6, in addition to, or in lieu of, theadvertising display 12, a monitor 4(for example: a television monitor)could be used to display information relating to products in the store.There could be an in-store transmitter or a central transmitter that cansend television signals to a receiver located in the console 100 and fordisplay on the monitor 4.

[0047] The console 100 may be equipped with a key board 8 in order forthe consumer to manually input pricing data, etc. into the computercontained in the console 100. Such a keyboard 8 should have the usualfunction keys e.g. multiply, add, subtract, divide, etc. and buttonscorresponding to numerical designations e.g. 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. Such a keyboard 8 may also come with a function key that could for example,provide price per unit, or price per volume information which would behelpful to consumers during their shopping.

[0048] The console 100 may, in addition or in lieu of the calculator, beequipped with a bar code scanner 1 in order for the user to input dataregarding e.g. price, type of good, brand name, etc. directly into thememory of the computer in the console 100. The bar code scanner 1 may beused in addition to the manual keyboard 8 or may take the place of sucha keyboard 8 as the sole means of inputting such data. Such a bar codescanner 1 would be useful to a consumer who is pushing the cart 200 andspare him/her the time and trouble of having to input such data manuallyinto the computer through the keyboard 8. There may be an output display2 associated with the scanner that would then output such information asfor example: price information or a running total of accumulatedpurchases.

[0049] Typically, such bar code scanners have a data base in closecommunication with the input in order to read the bar code, obtain thepricing information regarding that code from a data base and thenoutputting such information. The data base may be updated on a periodicbasis so that the scanner 1 will have the latest prices. Such updatingmay be by a manual means or by an automatic updating function. Such anautomatic updating could be e.g. an infra red or radio communicationslink from the data base in the scanner to a centralized source of suchupdated information. Alternately, the bar code scanner 1 may operatewithout its own data base and may simply relay bar code information to acentral source and then the central source relays such information backto the output of the scanner 1. Such a relay could be by e.g. radio orinfra red communications. The bar code scanner 1 used herein may useeither of these methods.

[0050] The calculator 8 may be equipped with any state of the art meansavailable for powering such a calculator. Such means include solarpowered units that may be able to receive light. Such solar cells may beequipped to receive different types of electromagnetic radiationincluding incandescent, fluorescent as well as solar lighting. Solarunits would preferably be mounted on the top of the console. Othermeans, such as batteries, for powering the calculator 8 are possible.

[0051] For additional convenience, the console 100 may be equipped witha pencil and note holder 14 (FIG. 4). Such a holder 14 could be moldedinto the console 100 and would provide a space to store such pencilsand/or paper. Alternately, a clip 15 (FIG. 1) could be used on theconsole face 50 in order to hold such pencils and notes.

[0052] The cart 200 may be equipped with homing means or a securityalarm means. By “homing means” it is meant a device that can send out asignal when such a cart 200 leaves the immediate area of the shoppingcenter. Such homing means should provide a signal to let storepersonnel, police, etc. identify the location of such a cart 200 thathas left the shopping area. Any state of the art homing devices maysuffice for this function. A security alarm means would be similar andwould send out a signal to security personnel when it determines thatthe cart 200 has left some predetermined area, e.g. the confines of thestore.

[0053] An additional handle 16 may be placed at the front of the console100 and extend back toward the user, see FIG. 1. Such handle 16 mayfacilitate the pushing of the cart 200 from the center which may beuseful if one only has one hand to push, such as an older person, or onewho is reaching with the other hand.

[0054] Other features may be added to the console 100 without varyingfrom the spirit of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 andFIG. 6, such features may include e.g. a toy or entertainment device 17on the rear surface or child's toy side 25 of the console in order toentertain a child placed in the shopping cart seat. Such a device couldbe interactive in that the child could push buttons on the device thatthen produce audible or visual stimulation. Examples include shapedbuttons that light up when pushed 26 and an electronic drawing board 27.Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, an earphone jack 18 could also be addedto the console 100 in order for the consumer to plug into the earphoneand hear the same product information on the display 11 by an audiblemeans. Such information could include pricing as well as advertisementsfor particular brands and products.

1. A shopping cart combination for reading bar codes found on consumerproducts, said combination including: a shopping cart having a wheeledbase and a basket portion in connection with said wheeled base and ahandle apparatus in connection with said wheeled base, said shoppingcart having a means for reading bar codes, means for obtaining personalinformation, and means for displaying pricing information derived fromsaid bar codes; wherein said means for obtaining personal informationallows a user of the shopping cart to pay for all items purchased at theshopping cart from any location within a store and without interactingwith checkout personnel.
 2. A self scanning shopping cart for pricingand check out comprising: a shopping cart apparatus in connection withthe shopping cart, said apparatus having a bar code reader for readingbar codes associated with products and a personal information inputdevice for accepting information used to identify the user of theshopping cart, said shopping cart apparatus having a transceiver forelectromagnetic transmissions and for updating pricing information inresponse to said electromagnetic transmissions, said cart having adisplay means for displaying product information, and wherein saidpersonal information input device allows a user of the shopping cart topay for all items purchased at the shopping cart from any locationwithin a store and without interacting with checkout personnel